Ireland Man sentenced for public order offences and flick knife possession in Portlaoise
On 27 June 2025, Simon Donogher, a 38-year-old man from Bishopswood, Portarlington, was involved in threatening and abusive behaviour at Market Square, Portlaoise, where a flick knife was involved. He admitted being intoxicated, threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a flick knife, and his solicitor said he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. At Portlaoise District Court, Judge Fay noted 20 previous convictions and that Donogher had not completed an Athy Alternative Project referral, and the probation service found poor intention to address his alcohol use. The latest development, reported on 1 February 2026, is that Donogher was given a three-month sentence suspended for two years and fined a total of €800.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced29 Jan
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Simon Donogher, a 38-year-old man of Bishopswood, Portarlington, appeared in court on public order offences.
- Where
- The incident took place at Market Square, Portlaoise.
- When
- The incident happened on 27 June 2025.
- Weapon
- The weapon involved was a flick knife.
- Cause
- A court heard that Donogher needs to find a different way of dealing with stress.
- Charges
- Donogher admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a flick knife.
- In court
- Donogher pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, according to his solicitor.
- Judge Fay said Donogher had 20 previous convictions.
- Donogher had been referred to the Athy Alternative Project but had not completed it.
- The probation service found there was poor intention to address his alcohol use.
- Sentence
- Donogher was given a three-month sentence suspended for two years and fined a total of €800.
- Other details
- His solicitor said the knife was a work tool and the incident happened after Donogher had gone out following work.
- Judge Fay said there was a very good chance Donogher could appear in court again if he did not address the underlying issue.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe incident took place at Market Square, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe incident happened on June 27 last. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- weaponThe weapon involved was a flick knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- chargeDonogher admitted being intoxicated, engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of a flick knife. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtDonogher pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, according to his solicitor. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtJudge Fay said Donogher had 20 previous convictions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtDonogher had been referred to the Athy Alternative Project but had not completed it. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtThe probation service found there was poor intention to address his alcohol use. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceDonogher was given a three-month sentence suspended for two years and fined a total of €800. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherHis solicitor said the knife was a work tool and the incident happened after Donogher had gone out following work. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherJudge Fay said there was a very good chance Donogher could appear in court again if he did not address the underlying issue. (leinsterexpress.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 29 Jan2026‘Workaholic’ sentenced for public order offences in Portlaoise
Reports the sentencing of Simon Donogher, including his admissions, previous convictions, the probation findings and the sentence. No existing case in the list matches.
convicted, Simon Donogher, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Simon Donogher